C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer

A pH-responsive acrylate copolymer of C12-22 alkyl acrylates and hydroxyethylacrylate. It's used to thicken and stabilize formulas, add light film-forming properties, and refine texture in gels and creams.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A thickener that gives gels and creams a smooth, cushiony texture.
Category
Tone/Texture, Emulsifying
Type
Rheology Modifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Delivers a smooth, cushiony texture with controlled viscosity and spread, and can form a light, breathable film that resists run-off without heaviness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in clear gels, gel-creams, and setting sprays to tune viscosity across different pH levels, and also appears in oil-in-water creams to stabilize structure while keeping a light skin feel.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Considered inert with a low irritation potential in finished products. At higher, neutralized levels it may cause mild, transient skin or eye irritation. No specific regulatory restrictions are commonly noted.

Is C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer a Good Ingredient?

It provides dependable, tunable thickening and light film formation with stable performance and minimal tack, which earns a Good rating; evidence for direct skin benefits is limited, and higher loads can feel buildup-prone, which keeps it from Great.

Products with C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer

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